The scope of fetal therapy has evolved over the last several decades to include interventions intended to treat or mitigate morbidities of complex fetal disorders. As a result, maternal-fetal surgery centers have been established across the country to better meet the needs of this patient population. Centers offering fetal interventions need to utilize a multidisciplinary approach to optimally balance the pregnant patient's autonomy and safety while striving to optimize fetal health. Although there is literature highlighting the components that an experienced maternal-fetal surgery center should contain, there are limited publications illustrating the process of creating a maternal-fetal surgery center. The journey of building a maternal-fetal surgery center is often as complex as the care delivered. The convergence of resources from both adult and pediatric medicine along with extensive hospital executive support are necessary. As a group of centers with diverse experience and geographic locations, we present a staged approach to building a comprehensive maternal-fetal surgery center and the lessons learned along the way.
Keywords: fetal care program; fetal therapy; fetoscopy; laser surgery; maternal-fetal surgery center; spina bifida repair; twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
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